David Quessenberry planned to do everything he could to attend the Texans' 2014 season opener while still battling lymphoma.

Quessenberry achieved his goal Sunday, walking the field and catching up with teammates prior to the 17-6 victory over the Washington Redskins at NRG Stadium.

"I'm pumped to be here," Quessenberry said. "To help my teammates any way I can - be an inspiration for them because they're an inspiration to me. And just (being) around football again, it's a motivating factor."

For Quessenberry, walking the field and smelling new grass Sunday was a powerful reminder of how much the game he currently can't play means to him. First, Quessenberry must beat non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Then he plans to return to the NFL and rejoin the friends who've supported him from day one, highlighted by a widespread DQ Strong campaign.

"The guys have embraced me like a brother, and having my back in this fight, it means more than I can put into words," Quessenberry said.

The second-year lineman is about to enter stage five of his chemotherapy treatments and begin an experimental trial drug Monday. Doctors have said Quessenberry's cancer is shrinking.

"The trends are going in the right direction," Quessenberry said. "I still have a long fight ahead of me - a long, hard fight ahead of me. But the doctors say things are going in the right direction, and right now I'm going to take it day-by-day."

Secondary stifles Redskins' attack

After not playing in the preseason, cornerback Johnathan Joseph led the Texans with 11 unassisted tackles.

Joseph and cornerbacks Kareem Jackson and A.J. Bouye limited Redskins receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson to averages of 7.7 and 7.8 yards a reception, respectively, though they combined for 18 catches.

"The defensive line and linebackers did a great job of corralling him (quarterback Robert Griffin III) in the pocket, keeping him contained, getting in his face and making him feel a little uneasy in the pocket," Joseph said. "We (secondary) did a great job of staying on top of the receivers and minimizing big plays."

Cushing thrilled to be back in fray

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing played only two series in the preseason and played Sunday for the first time since he suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament and fractured fibula last season.

"It's a great feeling," said Cushing, who recorded five tackles and one quarterback hit while his action was somewhat restricted. "It's a game I love. Any time I get to go out there is great."

Reed, Swearinger bring the heat

Linebacker Brooks Reed and safety D.J. Swearinger stood out for a Texans defense that allowed just six points and recorded two turnovers.

Reed tallied five tackles, three quarterback hits and one sack. Swearinger recorded eight tackles, two quarterback hits and a sack.

"We played great," Swearinger said. "Six points. Six points: If we can do that every game, it's going to be hard to beat us."

Special delivery for Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins' 76-yard touchdown reception from Ryan Fitzpatrick changed the game and the Texans' day.

Provided time in the pocket, Fitzpatrick located a wide-open Hopkins near the right numbers. An underthrown ball turned into a touchdown bomb, with Hopkins making one move, then easily sprinting into the end zone.

"He didn't look like he was too worried back there," said Hopkins, who caught four balls for 89 yards. "He's a veteran quarterback; he knew we would have a good play downfield. He stood in the pocket and made a great throw."

Johnson climbs up receiving list

Andre Johnson was Andre Johnson on Sunday.

The leading receiver in franchise history collected six receptions for 93 yards, including a long of 23. Johnson moved into 16th place in NFL history in total receiving yards (12,754), passing Washington's Art Monk

Translator

Get insights, lively discussion and, of course, debate from Houston Chronicle columnists and guests every Thursday as they take on the most current hot-button topics in sports. Please subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and give us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts. It helps! Thanks!